To fuel your love of cars,

This isn’t the county fair, so forget the elephant ears and deep fried corn dogs. For the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Cobo Center has expanded food and beverage offerings, added family-friendly activities and healthy food alternatives, announced Thom Connors, SMG regional vice president and general manager of Cobo Center.

Visitors will find diverse cuisine and several kid-friendly selections developed specifically for the smallest members of the family. Food court hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.

New Healthy Snacks

“For Centerplate’s second Detroit auto show, we’ve expanded our menus and number of food outlets. We are featuring fun food and healthy alternatives,” said Jason Hougard, general manager of Centerplate, Cobo Center’s exclusive food and beverage provider. “Our ‘Snacksmart’ program includes compelling options like natural energy bars, raw nuts, and dried fruit, as well as traditional favorites like Fig Newtons. Something for every member of the family.”

COBOTRON Coloring Contest

All cashiers in the Food Court will be passing out 2012 NAIAS Coloring Contest applications and crayons to children up to age 14. Snacksmart packs will be awarded daily as prizes for coloring the Cobo Center’s new construction mascot COBOTRON, and drawing their favorite part of the auto show next to him. A grand prize, merchandise from the Detroit Shoppe on the Cobo Center concourse, will be awarded to the best drawing on January 22nd. Winners will be notified by the phone number on the contest entry.

Vendors Returning For 2012

In addition to the food court, Cobo’s concourse restaurants include the Vu by Andiamo, Eatsville USA Café offering Lockart BBQ and Detroit Beer Company beverages, Custom Dogs, Caruso’s Coffee and Go Gourmet. The food court offers Indian, Mexican, Italian and American cuisine at a variety of outlets.